About me
"My Name is Ilse Louise Wilson, and I was born in 1979 in a small farm town called Piet Retief in South Africa. I grew up on a farm with my German speaking family. Once I graduated Highschool, I traveled to Germany and the USA, eventually immigrating in 2004.
In 2008 I completed my associate in applied science degrees for both Accounting and Early childhood Education. I started as a preschool teacher and then opened my family childcare program in 2010. In 2013 started instructing continued Education classes for the Office of Childcare which I did for 8 years. In 2017 The UAEYC awarded me the Utah Early Childhood Educator of the Year, and in 2018 the TLLCF, I received the National Teacher award with top 10 in the nation placement. In 2023 I started at the University of Utah to complete my bachelor’s degree and Family and Human Science.
Various mentors and programs like Bev Boss, Nature Explore and Accreditation inspire me to continuously learn and create programs that provide environments for young children to grow and learn naturally. As my career evolved from Family Childcare provider to Childcare Center owner (x2) and Summer Camp Director I have accepted ALL the challenges as growth opportunities.
I live in Cottonwood Heights with my 2 children, chickens, and other pets. We have a tiny house in the backyard and LOVE to travel internationally once a year. Our family enjoys skiing and hiking. We cook together and plan travel adventures.
As current president of UAEYC, I hope to lead with clear goals. To empower Utah’s children by engaging and inspiring our Early Childhood Professionals. Fostering collaboration, advocating for relevant policies, sharing professional development opportunities for educators, and active community engagement.
I always will strive to be a part of creating a brighter future for the tiny humans that I am blessed to meet.
"